Kuleba explains why Ukraine resumed electricity imports from Russia

The Ukrainian electricity power system has been physically connected to the Russian and Belarusian power systems since Soviet times, and therefore, we're forced to import electricity from there in case of critical situations.

Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba stated this on the air of the program "Big Politics."

"In critical situations in terms of electricity supply, we're forced to make temporary purchases of electricity from those to whom we're connected," Kuleba said.

The Minister noted that now Ukraine's strategy included a full transition from the Russian system to the EU system. However, this can be done no earlier than 2023.

"We need to go through the technology path, we need to bring our system in line with European standards. My colleagues from the Ministry of Energy are moving in this direction. As far as I know, this (2023 – ed.) is an early date for preparing your system for European standards," he added.

To recap, on February 1, 2021, the Russian electric power import to Ukraine was resumed.

Ukrenergo has stated that it has no reason to restrict the import/export of electricity, including electricity import that was resumed on February 1, 2021, from Russia.